This poll is badly designed. It's actually worthless. Dividing the yes questions up into two parts gives the illusion that the no vote has garnered more support.
And providing an other option takes away from both yes and no votes and is vague. Other could be anything from Pit bull are great to pit bulls are the devil incarnate. Yet, we have no way of knowing this.
Useless in gauging public opinion on the issue.
Very bad poll starting with the fact that it's PIT BULL not PITT BULL. If you love this particular kind of dog, learn to spell its name.
Whoever wrote this poll probably didn't graduate from high school.
mom23terriers - 10 years ago
and more up to date: AND THIS IS SO TYPICAL OF A PIT ATTACK... 2/3 ARE WITHIN THE HOME. CAN YOU ALL EXPLAIN WHY YOU THINK THESE ARE APPROPRIATE AS 'PETS'? You really can NOT, NEVER EVER guarantee that these dogs will not 'GO PIT' on you, your child or your other family members... and if it's one of your family, there will be no one to blame or sue except yourself.
Saturday, Sep 27, 2014 • Updated at 8:04 PM EDT
Authorities shot and killed a pet pit bull after the dog attacked an 8-year-old girl Saturday afternoon, critically injuring the child.
The two girls, ages 8 and 15, were in their home on the unit block of Adelene Drive in Newark, Delaware around 1 p.m. when the dog began attacking the younger child, according to police.
The teenager called 911 and, while police headed to the scene, the pit bull remained in the room, preventing the children from escaping, authorities said.
The 15-year-old was able to carry the critically injured child out of the room once police arrived, according to officials.
But the dog remained aggressive, which hampered the officers ability to provide medical treatment to the hurt girl and led to an officer shooting and killing the dog, police said.
Authorities transported the girl to A.I DuPont Children's Hospital, where she was then airlifted to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
She remains in critical condition at CHOP, officials said.
Read more: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Pet-Pit-Bull-Attacks-8-Year-Old-Newark-Girl--277332551.html#ixzz3EZ5cVYlQ
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mom23terriers - 10 years ago
Dr. Billmire is professor and director of the Division of Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
As one who, for the last 30 years, has been on the receiving end of the dog-bite injuries that pass through the Children's Hospital Emergency Room, as well as on the staff at the Shriners Hospitals for Children where we see the late effects of these injuries from across the nation, I can categorically tell you that the problems associated with dog bites are indeed breed-specific.
When I started my career, the most common dog-bite injuries were from German shepherds and occasionally retrievers. These injuries were almost always provoked, such as food-related or stepping on the dog, and in almost every instance, the dog reacted with a single snap and release – essentially a warning shot. There were no pack attacks.
Starting about 25 years ago, my colleagues and I started to see disturbingly different types of injuries. Instead of a warning bite, we saw wounds where the flesh was torn from the victim. There were multiple bite wounds covering many different anatomical sites. The attacks were generally unprovoked, persistent and often involved more than one dog. In every instance the dog involved was a pit bull or a pit bull mix.
Now, I am a dog lover and virtually every one of my family members has a dog. But it is a fact that different dogs have always been bred for specific qualities. My sheltie herded, my daughter's setter flushes birds and my pug sits on my lap – this is what they are bred for.
Pit bulls were bred to fight and kill and, unfortunately, many current breeders favor these aggressive traits. There is no need for any dog with the characteristics.

I recently gave a talk summarizing my 30 years of practice in pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery, and one segment was titled "Why I Hate Pit Bulls." I watched a child bleed to death one night in our operating room because a pit bull had torn his throat out. I have had to rebuild the skull of a child who had his ears and entire scalp torn off. I am currently reconstructing the face of a child, half of whose face has been torn off down to the bone. I have had to rebuild noses, lips, eyelids, jaws and cheeks of numerous children. On older children, I have had to reconstruct legs and hands. The unfortunate young victim whose recent attack has initiated this discussion will bear the scars of this attack for the rest of her life, besides having had her tongue ripped out by a Pit Bull.
mom23terriers - 10 years ago
I knew nothing even of the existence of the pit bull until he silently attacked me from behind two months later at about 5:00 p.m. on a busy street in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Hundreds of other people were walking or jogging along the same street. It was simply luck of the draw that I happened to be the closest to the open doorway through which the pit bull bolted out. I was ambulanced to receive emergency surgery, and flew home the next day to receive follow-up treatment back in Quebec, under the Quebec provincial health plan.
Even as I fought for my life in the street against the completely unprovoked pit bull attack, I recognized the extreme behavioral difference between the German shepherd, who appeared to have a motive for attacking me and gave enough warnings for me to have retreated safely if there had been anywhere to go, and the pit bull, who apparently attacked only because I was the nearest moving object.
The German shepherd follows all the classic rules of canine confrontation. The pit bull behaves much more like a stealth predator. How many other variations might there be in dog attack behavior, and to what extent might this reflect what the dogs were bred and trained to do, for example hunting, herding and guarding flocks, patrolling human property, fighting and baiting, or simply serving as family companions?
mom23terriers - 10 years ago
Would the Pit apologists please explain your dog to the family members?
- The following States have all suffered one victim (9 victims in total) of Fighting Breed Dogs so far: Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Delaware, Arizona, Louisiana, Cincinnati, Michigan, Missouri.
1. Christina Burleston~43 y/o~Houston TX~2+ Pit Bulls~01/05/14
2. Betty Clark~75 y/o~San Antonio TX~2 x Pit Bulls~01/06/14
3. Kara Hartrich~4 y/o~Bloomington IL~2 or 3 Pit Bulls~01/17/14
4. Annabell Martin~89 y/o~Corona CA~2 x Rottweilers~01/26/14
5. Klonda Richey~57 y/o~Dayton OH~2 x Cane Corso/Mastiffs~02/07/14
6. Je'vaeh Mayes~2 y/o~Temple TX~1 Pit Bull~02/17/14
7. Braelynn Coulter~3 y/o~High Park NC~1 Pit Bull~02/24/14
8. Summer Sears~4 y/o~Tallassee AL~Mixed Breeds (tbc)~02/26/14
9. Raymane Robinson~2 y/o~Killeen TX~1 x Bull Mastiff~03/01/14
10. Kenneth Santillan~13 y/o~Patterson NJ~1 x Bull Mastiff~03/01/14
11. Nancy Newberry~77 y/o~Phoenix AZ~1 x Pit Bull~03/15/14
12. Mia Derouen~4 y/o~Houma LA~1 x Pit Bull~03/26/14
13. Dorothy Hamilton~85 y/o~Kaufman TX~2 x Pit Bulls 03/31/14
14. Christopher Malone~3 y/o~Holmes Co MS~1 or 2 Pit Bulls~04/01/14
15. John Harvard~5 y/o~St Clair Co AL~1 x Pit Bull~04/07/14
16. Petra Aguirre~83 y/o~San Antonio TX~1 x AmStaff Mix~04/11/14
17. Katie Morrison~20 y/o~Lee Co AL~3 x Pit Bulls~05/04/14
18. Nyhiem Wilfong~1 y/o~Caldwell Co NC~1 x Rottweiler~05/05/14
19. Kasii Haith~4 y/o~Kent Co DE~3 x Pit Bulls~05/08/14
20. Rita Pepe~93 y/o~Branford CT~1 x Pit Bull~05/25/14
21. Holden Garrison~10wks~Springfield T'ship MI~Catahoula (possibly Bulldog type)~06/08/14
22. Logan Shepard~4 y/o~Riverview FL~2 x Pit Bulls~07/19/14
23. Jonathon Quarles Jr~7months~Dayton OH~1 x Pit Bull~07/20/14
24. Craig Sytsma~46 y/o~Lapeer Co MI~2 x Cane Corsos~07/23/14
25. Cindy Whisman~59 y/o~Butler Co OH~1 x Pit Bull~08/01/14
26. Joel Chirieleison~6 y/o~Gilchrist Co FL~2 x Pit Bulls~08/07/14
27. Deriah Solem~22months~St Charles Co MO~1 x Pit Bull~08/11/14
28. Javon Dade~4 y/o~Miami-Dade Co FL~2 x Pit Bulls~08/13/14
29. David Glass~age 51~Benton Co MS~multiple Pit Bulls~09/21/14
FATALITIES OF INTEREST RELATED TO DOGS 2014:
1. Carlos Trevina~54 y/o~Idaho Falls ID~heart attack after trying to separate multiple fighting family Pit Bulls~01/08/14
2. Demonta Collins~13 y/o~Richmond Co GA~chased into traffic by loose Pit Bull~04/10/14
3. Davon Jiggetts~17 y/o~Fulton Co GA~chased into traffic by loose Pit Bull~04/12/14
4. Ryan Brown~15 y/o~Fayette Co TN~fatal head injury caused by thrown object, sustained during stray Pit Bull attacking family Pit Bull in yard at home~08/04/14
Mom23terriers - 10 years ago
This was hardly a fair question. You split the YES votes into two almost equally valid statements. You should have counted the two together. Shame on you for pretending this is a reasonable survey.
The ATTS is a total fraud. ANYONE who has had even the most rudimentary university level course work in assessment construct and statistics could tell in one look that the seemingly 'scientific' test is a complete farce.
Behavior testing in canines is not to be relied on. That 'test' assesses ONLY that particular moment in time and is NOT a predictor of future behaviours much less an assessment of temperament. This is the worst kind of lie to present to potential adopters and courts have found against shelters that have used it when the Pits they adopted out as having 'passed' the ATTS turned and 'went Pit' and attacked and mauled family members. Awards are running the mid-six-figure amounts up to $2.2million. I don't think that shelters should adopt out dogs with that high a risk of causing shelters to have increased liability insurance.
G White - 10 years ago
Temperament tests done by reputable groups (such as AKC) always show that Pits have BETTER temperaments than most dogs. Personally, we LOVE Pits and always have several, along with the 30-some other dogs we foster in our all-breed Rescue.
Pits have always been the perfect family and farm dog -- very stable, reliable, and will put up with harsh treatment by small children without giving them the bite they often deserve. Most Pits are still this way, or will be once they are out of their terrible environment, socialized and evaluated by a competent Rescue group. Actually, most Pits you get from the local shelter will very quickly "fix themselves" and turn into a wonderful dog, but you must be VERY careful and watch carefully for a while, especially around other dogs, children & strangers.
That said ----
We have by now had many generations of Pits bred by human scum -- the worst of the morons in various ghettos & trailer parks who have created a new and evil type of dog fighting that has nothing to do with the old, traditional Southern rural dog fights, where dogs were almost never seriously injured and certainly not killed. Once one dog had been overpowered by another (usually with a few punctures or scrapes), the dogs were called off by their owners. Any dog that did not INSTANTLY stop was excused from the ring, declared the loser (even if he had won), and forever banned from the ring forever. And then all the dogs went back to their farms to play with the kids and hunt the mice getting into the corn crib. Big difference between this and Michael Vick's dogs, which were caged 24/7 and beaten "to make them mean."
I am NOT defending this old-style "sport" (as it was called), and could never let my dog participate. But since the actual history of dog fighting is so different from what punk criminals like Michael Vick have been doing, I like to point our the vast change over time. I often wonder whether any of the old traditional sport has survived; I simply do not know.
Because of the modern, highly abusive nature of dog fighting, and the wide participation by really stupid people, for several decades and dozens of generations of Pits, we now have a lot of Pits bred strictly for aggression with a complete non-emphasis on good temperament. Unlike the old-time farm dogs, these "new" fighters are a SINGLE-purpose dog, and often their sociability and stability has been completely lost in the process. There are now Pits that are dangerous, and can't be fixed by any ordinary means -- assuming you don't have access to Cesar Millan, or that group that spent massive amounts of time rehabilitating Michael Vick's dogs. Most of us small Rescues don't have the time or money to handle real problem dogs, and don't think it's fair to spend that amount of time & resources on dog that (a) probably will never be safe to adopt out, and (b) will take up our limited space and money to a degree that keeps us from rescuing many other dogs. We have two Pits here now that have been here for over a year with no serious inquiries about adoption -- which, on the average, has caused eight or ten other dogs to be put to sleep in shelters because we had no room for them.
We have had very few dogs here put to sleep for temperament issues, but in the past five years 2 of them (out of 3) were Pits. We have very few hard & fast rules here, but killing another of our dogs is one of them. Both Pits killed other, much smaller dogs. And one of the Pits had come here as a tiny puppy, two years before, so had never known bad treatment or abuse, and definitely had no excuse for killing the old Beagle. We loved the little Pit puppy we'd raised, and he had never shown a vicious side. but my wife saw the attack from the beginning, and when she tried to break it up the Pit took a pass at her, too. That's the other rule here -- and he was put to sleep immediately. I don't like it, but it's a necessary rule to be fair to all rescue dogs,
Michelle - 10 years ago
I think Pit Bulls are as lovely as all other breeds. I also think it is the owner causes the issue. But not all the owners of "bad" Pit Bulls are intentionally making them their dog bad. We always encourage people to adopt dogs, but we didn't do enough to train people how to be a real good owner, knowing what to feed the dog is not enough. I think we need to do more to train people how to correctly raise a mentally and physically healthy dog before they become owners. Until the owners understand what the right way is to handle dogs (not just Pit Bulls), we will continue hear bad news.
Pit bulls are some of the most misunderstood dogs there are and the media blows who they are out of proportion. We acquired one a few years ago a friend of my son was unable to keep hers. She was a pit boxer mix. What a wonderful dog she is. So sweet playful and smart. People need to educate themselves on this. Shows like pit bulls and parolees can snow us how wonderful these dogs are. Also the dog whisperer is trying to inform people as well. Its bad owners that make bad dogs not the dog themselves.
Mary Heller - 10 years ago
My daughter and her housemates once rescued a pitt bull who had staggered into their front yard in Queens, NYC. The dog was severely injured, looking as if she had escaped a dog fighting ring. They pooled their resources and took her to an animal hospital where she was "put back together" and the housemates nursed her back to health. I have never met a sweeter, more lovable dog.
Patricia Astheimer - 10 years ago
I must say all this makes me feel sick. We have one half pit dropped on us, and a smaller younger "pit" looks a lot like a boxer. We have had to break up some fights at first. Now the older dog has taught the younger what it means to behave around other dogs. I attribute all the real credit to her. We are too weak physically to battle tooth and nail but she is strong. I never trust the younger dog with my small grankids and don't allow her to be outside unsupervised I really did not need another challenge but as usual someone got the pit, didn't house train her, didn't socialize her, when it would have been easier as a pup, didn't discipline her with all the right basic rules of engagement. I feel that as a general rule people are not capable ,lack their own discipline, to handle the great and sometimes terrible power in these dogs. I believe as a breed they have to viewed as almost a weapon. The potential is great but are we ?
Sandra - 10 years ago
We had a pit bull that died of a rare cancer three years ago. We have owned many dogs, and our Pit Bull (Raleigh) was the sweetest boy and got along with everyone. We now have two American Staffordshire Terriers (Ellery and Maisie). They have great temperaments and love all humans. They also love cats!
If a Pit Bull doesn't love humans, then something is wrong with it. Pit Bulls are very loyal and loving.
Debbie - 10 years ago
I agree with Janet and Denise, that pit bulls be sweet and loving. I'm a pet sitter and have taken care of 3 pit bulls, in my home, at different times. I own a Rhodesian Ridgeback. The pit bulls got a long fine with my dog, even though they didn't know each other. Two pits were female and one a male. My dog is a female. I am careful around pits that I don't know, because of the stories I've heard. There are also 3 pit bulls, that live on our street, with no problems. I think a good home, training and socialization are good for any dog.
Dee - 10 years ago
I have a 2-1/2 yr. old pit mix rescue. She is the sweetest dog I have ever owned. Loves everyone, dogs, cats, etc. and has never been aggressive. I would like to reply to Charli who said a pit was eyeing up his mini schnauzer in obedience class and this made him and his dog uncomfortable. I had a similar experience where a corgi mix attached my pit mix in obedience class. The trainer was wonderful - not only did she instruct the corgi's owner on how to handle her dog - but she immediately pointed out that though the corgi attempted to bite my dog, my dog just backed away without retaliating. Not all pits are vicious - many are very sweet dogs and a lot has to do with their training. Honestly, when we walk our dog, we have encountered smaller breed dogs who bark and try to attack our dog, but have never had this situation occur with any large breed dog. Maybe we should ban the smaller breeds?
Denise - 10 years ago
I only say the potential is there for a more serious bite because of their increased bite and general body strength. Any dog has the potential to bite depending on how it is raised / treated. I don't think Pits are any more dangerous in temperament than any other dog. I have known several of them, and they were all very sweet dogs. But they are much stronger than the average dog, and if mistreated, and they become aggressive, then the potential for serious injury or death is there. I have also been around many more smaller dogs, and have been nearly bitten MUCH more often.
Janet - 10 years ago
I think All breeds can turn and bite. Domesticated or not they are still animals. The larger and stronger the breed the more potential for serious injury or death should for whatever reason they do turn. I believe if you get your dog as a puppy & train it well it's not a problem but if adopting a young or adult larger breed dog they should all go for professional training.
Karen - 10 years ago
I think pit bulls are sweet dogs. Any dog can have potential to be aggressive if mistreated or scared. With love,respect, proper training and kindness any dog will return that love to you . I think it's unfair how these sweet dogs are treated by police officers and the press. We need to Educate on handling of this breed and in time they will be deemed just as love able as any other breed.
Stacy - 10 years ago
Have people forgotten that the dog from The Rascals was a pit!!
Per Aspca
"Some pit bulls were selected and bred for their fighting ability. That means that they may be more likely than other breeds to fight with dogs. It doesn’t mean that they can’t be around other dogs or that they’re unpredictably aggressive. Other pit bulls were specifically bred for work and companionship. These dogs have long been popular family pets, noted for their gentleness, affection and loyalty. And even those pit bulls bred to fight other animals were not prone to aggressiveness toward people. Dogs used for fighting needed to be routinely handled by people; therefore aggression toward people was not tolerated. Any dog that behaved aggressively toward a person was culled, or killed, to avoid passing on such an undesirable trait. Research on pet dogs confirms that dog aggressive dogs are no more likely to direct aggression toward people than dogs that aren’t aggressive to other dogs."
Dogs are not the problem....Their humans are.
Janice Murphy - 10 years ago
A few months ago I had to put my beautiful Pit Bull down because he became so aggressive toward my 14 year old shepherd who had advanced hip dysplasia. I came home from work and found him dragging Daisy across the yard by her face. She was crying pitifully. The only way I could get him to let go of her was by turning the hose on his face. I rushed her to the vet and she was treated for multiple puncture wounds on her face and neck. Her left eye lid was torn. I had to put him on a heavy cable while I was at work because he had already chewed through the chain link fence and I feared for my neighbor's small children. I adopted this dog from the local Humane Society where I had volunteered for several years and he was highly recommended as a playmate for another dog I had fostered and then adopted a couple of years ago. That dog is a pit bull mix and she has been a wonderful, sweet dog. That's why I had no doubts about adopting Skip. But I noticed when they would be playing Skip was becoming increasingly aggressive. So I never left them alone after that. One day Skip bared his teeth and snarled at Endica and she ran in her dog house. So I kept him in a separate kennel but took him for long walks after work. He was a dream when he was alone with me and I realized he wanted to be the only dog. He destroyed his kennel, and got to Daisy that day. She couldn't run from him. I had to make the decision to have him put down before a real tragedy occurred . It absolutely broke my heart and I still cry when I think of the good times we had. And so I have mixed feelings about Pit Bulls . Until now I have always defended them because they get such a bad rap.
terry - 10 years ago
I have a sweet pit mix that is 9 years old.
We have in the past had 2 that were well trained however had the tendency to snap at other dogs and people.
Some are food toy aggressive.
I believe any breed can be aggressive, and that sometimes the dog is just not right mentally.
I lived with 2 adopted pitties that had their issues and were very closely watched
And muzzled when out.
My nine year old is a big baby.
She loves everyone but is other female aggressive when it comes to dogs.
Males she is fine with.
Tamar - 10 years ago
I believe that "some" pit bulls can be trained to be sweet and loving - but that aggressive instinct is part of the breed. I agree with the Vets - never trust them completely. (and, for that matter, other large-breed dogs such as Rotties and Dobies) These dogs have historically been BRED to guard, protect, kill. It takes much patience and consistency to over-ride that internal wiring. That said - I have raised a wolf-hybrid that I trusted with my LIFE - because we were bonded from when he was 8 weeks old! And - I have been bitten by my dog - actually by accident when she was lunging for a different dog - and the result? You should have seen her face! she was SO upset and sorry! (she was a lab/shepherd/rottie mix) Pit bulls on the other hand - generally do NOT have that built-in bonding connection with humans.
Now, I have 2 "senior" (don't tell them that!) lab-mix ladies - who had never lived with cats before - it was a bit rough going for the first 2 or 3 months but I TRAINED THEM ALL to get along with each other - and they are alone together (2 dogs, 7 cats) all day all week. If any spats get started (usually it is the cats between themselves!)- the cats simply skedoodle down to the cellar where the dogs cannot follow. TRAINING IS EVERYTHING. ALONG WITH LOVE.
Elizabeth - 10 years ago
Tami, I just had to add, this cat (who happens to be blind) didn't start anything. She was lying there sleeping and the dog, walking through the room, just saw her and jumped her. No provocation whatsoever. It's not really fair to blame the victims.
Elizabeth - 10 years ago
I think that with the same environment, training, etc., Pitts do generally have a higher prey drive than many other breeds. Not to say they are the only ones. With a responsible, informed owner and good socialization and training, this difference can be minimized. I have known Pitts that were absolute sweethearts, but have also known some we couldn't trust. My daughter brought home a stray Pitt that was a great dog, but we could not get her to relax around our cats. I've never had that problem with any other dog. Finally, after about six months we had to find her another home when I caught her with one of the cats in her mouth. Thankfully we were able to separate them with no permanent injury, but it was a close thing, and there was a lot of blood on the carpet, some of it mine.
matt - 10 years ago
I work in an animal hospital and have gotten bit quite a few times. Most of my bites were from small dogs, not pit mixed or pits
CKK - 10 years ago
Recent article noted pit bulls are 6% of dog population in USA but over 68% of dog arrests soon incidents. It is the inbreed potential aggravated by poor training. There are exceptions but # 's are revealing.
Pat - 10 years ago
When asked if my dogs bite, I always answer, it's possible. All dogs have the potential to bite. The difference with the mid to large breeds is they can do serious damage! From day one ALL dogs should be trained & a human Alpha established!! If you have never trained before, either find an experienced trainer or do the research & follow the directions. There are some good books available or use the Internet. Dogs can be like leaving a loaded gun laying around the house. With good consistent training and a lot of love, you are removing the bullets from the gun! However, even with the best of training and a loving family, they are still dogs and can make mistakes. That is where consistency comes into the formula!
Tami - 10 years ago
I am surprised to see how many people still think that pits can lock there jaws. Blame should fall on bad owners & bad breeders. My guess would be that one of the poodles or the cat started the fight that got those poodles and that cat killed. I have 4 dogs and 5 cats, and never leave them together when we're gone.
Tami - 10 years ago
I am surprised to see how many people still think that pits can lock there jaws. Blame should fall on bad owners & bad breeders. My guess would be that one of the poodles or the cat started the fight that got those poodles and that cat killed. I have 4 dogs and 5 cats, and never leave them together when we're gone.
Laurie - 10 years ago
When my son informed me he would be moving back home from out-of-state, and bringing his pit bull with him, I told him he could not bring the dog. I didn't want to chance my little dog being killed by his.
Fast forward, my son ended up bringing Sugar home anyway. I was skittish, but about 30 minutes after their arrival, I was in love with his pit bull. I've had dogs all my life, and this one is by far, the sweetest dog I've every been around. Now, my pretty little 12 lb cocker spaniel mix, he'd just as soon bite your foot off than to look at you. But when you meet Sugar the pit bull, she will immediately lay down on her back for a belly rub. Unfortunately, the media only covers the bad experiences.
pit bull owner - 10 years ago
I am a Pit owner, have been for seven years. My dog received professional training from the age of three months. She is the sweetest dog! It is not the dog, it is the owner, treat with kindness and love and you will have a loving loyal pet. Treat with abuse (chaining up, no socialization, etc.) and have a dog who is confused. All dogs want to please and receive love, these dogs get a bad rap. As to the so called vet who wrote the article, he's sadly misinformed. Years ago these dogs served their country, and where considered nanny's for the family children. Any dog can turn, and if you research you will find Pits do not cause the most bites IT's JUST REPORTED MORE BY THE PRESS, because they are the villain of the day, as were Dobermans, Chows, any large breed dog. Open your eye's people take a look at your local animal shelter there are so many wonderful Pits waiting for adoption, but because of stupidity thousands are killed. And if you've never owned one you have no opinion!
Ruth - 10 years ago
How naive can people be about this? I have owned three Keeshonden over the past forty years--BECAUSE THEY HAVE BREED-SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS THAT I LOVE! They are gentle and almost never will attack or bite anyone, among other traits. And I have owned Russian Blue cats for similar reasons, including their gentleness. Pit Bulls are bred to have aggressive characteristics, as other breeds have certain kinds of intelligence or whatever. One cannot deny that and think that pit bulls are just as docile as other breeds.
Jessica - 10 years ago
I'm a owner of 2 male pit bulls. I DON'T AGREE WITH ANY OF THE NEGITIVE COMMENTS. Its the way you train &raise a dog, is how its gonna turn out. My 2dogs who are 3 & 4 can both be off their leashes and something ( cat for example) can run by, and I say one word, STOP. And they both will stop dead in their tracks. I live i n a beautiful neighborhood and the little dogs are the ones who go crazy pulling their owner, barking away. Not my pit bulls. And these little dog owners are looking at my dogs like their the aggressive one. Okay while your little dog is going crazy. Any dog can turn. So to all you pit bull haters. Leave are dogs ALONE
JB - 10 years ago
My brother-in-law is a police officer in North Las Vegas, and has to deal with dogs frequently while on patrol and in handling calls. He is a dog lover and owner, but won't trust a pit bull because of his experiences.
I witnessed a pit bull pull through its harness and attack a small dog in my neighborhood. It took 3 grown men the better part of a minute to pull the animals apart. The small dog lost an eye, had a punctured skull and other injuries. The pit owner was a good neighbor and took care of all medical bills, then put down his dog. It had never previously manifest any signs of the uncontrollable aggression he saw that day, and he never wanted to see it happen again. My son has also been chased through the neighborhood by 2 pit bull mix dogs that (for a few weeks) routinely escaped their yard.
Once a pit bull "snaps" (and you never know if or when it will happen), the only effective, timely countermeasure seems to be a firearm. Other breeds generally seem to understand limits better, but non-aggression training shouldn't be needed for any "domesticated" animal regardless of breed. Because of all this, I class pit bulls with tigers and other wild creatures... not in my neighborhood please.
Debbie - 10 years ago
It is said that a dog can bite its owner,. proven by me. Of course the dog don't care who feeds it. Pit Bulls could not only bite it's owner, but could kill. I believe that the brain of a Pit Bull is wired by nature to be aggressive to the extent of killing.. I trust none, however subdued he is trained to be, once the scenario is right his nature would rise up to kill. Persons who are in denial of this, would believe after a Pit Bull attacks a loved one to the kill.... sorry!
Vicki Truett - 10 years ago
There are too many comments on this page that are wrongly informed with obvious limited information and too few correct ones. The owners of any dog play a large roll in their pets disposition, but so does the biological parents. Raising dogs is very similar to parenting young children. They need clear boundaries, socializing, love, and training. As with all animals genetics do play a role along with environment. A charging dog is not always a precursor to an attack, nor is a wagging tail always a sign of friendly acceptance. Pitts do have extremely strong jaws, but they can be trained not to lock down.
My best trainer helper is my 9lb. female Westie-poo. She has assisted me in teaching, a now 56lb. chow pit mix that was rescued as a pup from the local animal control, to play without actually closing his mouth on her. We have taught him that nipping is his bite. If he hears a noise resembling pain from any living creature, he runs to their aid and tries to mother them.
I had 5 dogs, 3 large pit breeds and 2 small terrior breeds, and 3 cats up until a month ago when the oldest dog passed away. He was a 16 yr old pit. Before I got him, he was a cat killer and a male dog hater. He wasn't born that way, but a couple of bad experiences prejudiced him that way. Sound familiar?! He always loved all people especially chidren. As a puppy, he was attacked by a male dog, and then by a cat (who herself had likely had a scary incident with another dog). I showed him that he didn't need to fear them anymore. When he died, he had friends of many species and genders.
I understand that the man who beat his pit to death didn't know what else to do, but pain begets pain. When an animal is seeing red, not literally, they are in a world where nothing but it and the other animal exist in tunnel. They have to be first brought back to reality and made aware of your presence by sight, and sound, but not with hysterics. Then a person can physically seperate them without adding more pain to the situation. Specific techniques do rely partly on the individual dog. Across the board, a lack of oxygen or shoving something down their throat thru any any spot will make them release. After knowing we had made eye contact and he had heard my stern voice (not screaming), I used my hand to get between the animal in his mouth and the back of his throat. Immediately, he released. I do not recommend doing this unless you know the animals involved, and are prepared for a possible negative outcome including personal injury.
All breeds have an instinct to chase, chew, and defend themseves. All dogs deserve and need an informed, consistent, and levelheaded owner to be able to grow into a well rounded, happy member of the family.
Melissa - 10 years ago
I think that dogs are no different than people that some dogs may have a nasty temper or a short fuse or both. I think that pit bulls may have the potential to become aggressive or better put commit an aggressive act wihen they are not maintained-raised-handled or trained properly and responsibly. And of course being such a strong dog they can inflict damage that a poodle for example cannot! There is also a psychological side to dogs that we may not realize that we effect. Our attitude, actions and energy display to dogs how to behave. We may express something that the dog picks up on then later behaves inappropriately but according to what you told him to. And it's my belief that pit bulls are just more sensitive to this and in general.
Karen - 10 years ago
I've heard of many cases of people being bit or killed by pit bulls, but
on the other hand, I know some that are as gentle & friendly as
kittens. I think it's all the way the dog is treated from day #1.
Monica - 10 years ago
I know there are other breeds that have a higher bite statistic than the Pitbull but it's the severity of the bites/attacks that are scary and the fact you can't get theirs jaws unlocked while they are biting down. I will always have a fear around them especially having my dogs around them.
terry - 10 years ago
I agree.. I won't go near them.. they are tweeked in the head.. agreed all dogs can snap, but if they do,
their bite won't kill you and you can usually stop them with a baseball bat, not so with Pits.. my friend
hit one that attacked his dog with a baseball bat, his eye fell out would not let go of his shepherds neck,
then he put the garden hose in it's mouth and try to get him to let go, filled him with water, still no let up,
finally, a neighbor came with a gun and shot it.. his sherpherd bleed to death.. Another time a friend has a pit from a pup and his 4 year old just walked past the dog while he was eating, it jumped up and bit her face, she had to get hundred stitches and had to have several surgeries on her face so she would not be disfigured.
I will not rent any of my units to anyone with a pit.. they should be banned.. Loaded gun... if you have kids and pits you are nuts too....
Argentina Montoya - 10 years ago
I believe that no dog is born mean,it's the person who is supposed to care for the dog and be responsible,unfortunately human breed ,abuse and dump them,any breed can be dangerous.I have a beautiful pit bull and she's the sweetest dog I ever known,I also have a little chihuahua and they get along very well
JoAnn - 10 years ago
In almost every account of a person being badly injured or killed by a dog, the culprit is almost always a pit bull or pit bull mix. We give credit to certain breeds for being better hunting, herding or guide dogs, why wouldn't certain breeds be better guard dogs? This being said, my experience in working with families with severe drug problems leads me to believe that pit bulls are the breed of choice for criminal types. Do they train their dogs to be the good citizens of the dog world or to be an angry, crude, aggressive reflection of their owners? I believe, sadly, it's often the latter.
J - 10 years ago
ANY dog is capable of attacking; labs, german shephards, pitt bulls, hounds, dachunds, chihuahua, or any other small, medium, or large breed (trained or not). I currently have 2 labs that are very laid back, one is a little hyper but a good dog. I have known some labs to be aggressive all their lives and training didn't help. I know someone with a german shephard who is 2 now and he is starting to get somewhat aggressive towards them. My previous line of work, and the one I have now; I hear or see dog bites and the majority of the culprits are pitts and some owners say the dog was "trained" not to. I also know a woman who broke down and didn't have cell service because of being on backroads in the country. She approached a house to get help and saw the pitt laying at the foot of the steps. The dog looked at her but didn't raise his head. She cautiously walked closer saying hi to him and he just raised his eyebrows not moving or showing signs of aggression. She walks on the porch and knocks on the door and the dog grabbed her by the back of the leg and got to ripping at it. The owner (who was extremely nice and concerned) had small children and he voluntarily had the dog put down. His dog had been "trained" and never showed any aggression towards anyone who visited before, but he felt like he could no longer trust the dog. I know another family that had a german shephard and the dog loved the little boy so much when he would be outside playing the dog wouldn't let anyone near him, not even the parents. They had to trick the dog so the boy could come inside. I have known chihuahuas that bite, and the term ankle biters is being nice.....they can tear an ankle to shreds. I've seen hound that would be nice to humans and then tear another dog or animal up. My point is; not every dog is a bad dog but ANY dog has potential to be aggressive towards people or other animals.......especially the breeds that are best known for being aggressive.
Rita Kegley - 10 years ago
It is so sad to hear all of this. How can one breed be so aggressive. You see so many pits and pit mixes in shelters or rescue houses looking for homes. It breaks my heart. I have known several sweet, loving, rescued pit bulls owned by friends. The dogs adored my golden retriever. However, I would not allow my dog to play or be around them. My friends were upset about it, but I had to think about my dog. They are strong jawed. Once I had to break up an attack on another dog by a pit. Its owner was afraid and stood there in fear. I was lucky I grabbed him the right way, otherwise, he could have turned on me. I actually do not go to the parks with my dogs anymore, because there are so many around, and a lot of owners do not have the skills to handle them. Especially, some of these men that use them as bodyguards. I would rather my dogs play safely in the yard. Hopefully one day, the breed can be helped with some kind of gene therapy. You have to wonder why they never use them in the police or military....
Terry - 10 years ago
I also want to say I am more afraid of german shephard dogs & dobermans & even rockwilers than I am of pit bulls. My dogs NEVER growled at me either. When they didn't like someone they were right too. :-)
Patty - 10 years ago
I work in rescue and have been around dogs all of my life. My personal opinion is that pitties are no more aggressive than other breeds and that ultimately the outcome of a dogs personality rests solely in the hands of the owner. The bully breeds, rotties, shepherds etc are a lot of dog and they're smart but more importantly these dogs will not accept just any pack leader (owner) to lead them. A true pack leader will lead in a firm but fair manner that will garner the respect of their dogs. If this doesn't happen then the owner will not have control of their animal. I have seen too many people over the years get these breeds of dogs and they have absolutely no idea what to do with them so they leave them to their own devices and this is when trouble happens. A dog is like a child, set the rules and boundaries and make sure you stick to it.
Jon Svoboda - 10 years ago
It is important for all dog owners to take responsibility for their dogs, regardless of breed. In the United States upwards of 70 million dogs have the potential of being identified as Pit Bull mixes. The calling out of this breed can be compared to any other discrimination based upon the deeds of a very small percent. The individual, not the breed/creed, should be held accountable.
Terry - 10 years ago
I raised (2) pit bulls & they were the VERY best breed I ever had. Of course if you don't get your pit bull trained you may have no control but both of my dogs were trained to my command & if I said it's alright that was all they had to hear. My dogs loved children & other dogs but I have to confess they weren't too crazy about cats but they may have caught my anger at the catss that killed my neighborhood birds.
Geri - 10 years ago
I believe ANY dog can become aggressive. Its the irresponsible owners who DO NOT train the dogs correctly. I have a 5 year old American Pitt bull terrier who is very well trained and knows who the pack master is in the house. I have NO problem with my grandchildren playing with him. He is an excellent dog and family pet and has showed no aggression what so ever.
charli - 10 years ago
your poll is somewhat skewed with two options of answering yes in a minimally slightly different way, but meaning pretty much the same thing. Pitbulls are a more agressive breed and the potentional is always there with them. I had one eyeing up my sweet little mini schnauzer in an obedience class. My little girl was very uncomfortable and I trusted her instincts. Needless to say I had her scooped up in my arms and I would not go back-it is so not worth it. And pit bull owners who defend this breed are probably more dangerous because they refuse to acknowledge the danger!
Jan - 10 years ago
About 6 years ago a pit bull mix charged through a fence to attack my Maltese that was on a leash out walking. My dog took about 150 stitches, almost lost her shoulder, cost thousands of dollars in vet bills. The pit bull owner would not accept responsibility, and the dog got "one free bite". It devastated me, and my dog has never been the same. There is a problem with this!
dan - 10 years ago
Risky behavior is fine for consenting adults. Placing young children in a potentially dangerous situation is not. Those you want to bury their head in the sand about pits should be held responsible if the pit kills or mauls a youngster.
Linda Henderson - 10 years ago
I own four rental townhouses in Georgia and the Owners Association will not allow me to rent to pit bulls or a couple of other breeds due to the potential for problems. I believe owning these dogs creates an insurance problem in many areas. There is a reason behind this. They have a higher potential for being dangerous. My son found a beautiful pit bull and gave it to a friend. The dog turned on a family member (an adult who was NOT interacting with the dog) and the dog's owner had to beat the dog to death with a lawnmower blade he had been sharpening when the attack occurred. The dog would not quit!
Barbara - 10 years ago
In Toowoomba, Qld. Australia about 6 years ago a lady was feeding her son's three Pit Bulls when they turned on her and tore her to pieces. She was dead when her son returned from work. Many local councils in Queensland and Australia have now banned ownership of this breed of dog.
This poll is badly designed. It's actually worthless. Dividing the yes questions up into two parts gives the illusion that the no vote has garnered more support.
And providing an other option takes away from both yes and no votes and is vague. Other could be anything from Pit bull are great to pit bulls are the devil incarnate. Yet, we have no way of knowing this.
Useless in gauging public opinion on the issue.
Very bad poll starting with the fact that it's PIT BULL not PITT BULL. If you love this particular kind of dog, learn to spell its name.
Whoever wrote this poll probably didn't graduate from high school.
and more up to date: AND THIS IS SO TYPICAL OF A PIT ATTACK... 2/3 ARE WITHIN THE HOME. CAN YOU ALL EXPLAIN WHY YOU THINK THESE ARE APPROPRIATE AS 'PETS'? You really can NOT, NEVER EVER guarantee that these dogs will not 'GO PIT' on you, your child or your other family members... and if it's one of your family, there will be no one to blame or sue except yourself.
Saturday, Sep 27, 2014 • Updated at 8:04 PM EDT
Authorities shot and killed a pet pit bull after the dog attacked an 8-year-old girl Saturday afternoon, critically injuring the child.
The two girls, ages 8 and 15, were in their home on the unit block of Adelene Drive in Newark, Delaware around 1 p.m. when the dog began attacking the younger child, according to police.
The teenager called 911 and, while police headed to the scene, the pit bull remained in the room, preventing the children from escaping, authorities said.
The 15-year-old was able to carry the critically injured child out of the room once police arrived, according to officials.
But the dog remained aggressive, which hampered the officers ability to provide medical treatment to the hurt girl and led to an officer shooting and killing the dog, police said.
Authorities transported the girl to A.I DuPont Children's Hospital, where she was then airlifted to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
She remains in critical condition at CHOP, officials said.
Read more: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Pet-Pit-Bull-Attacks-8-Year-Old-Newark-Girl--277332551.html#ixzz3EZ5cVYlQ
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Dr. Billmire is professor and director of the Division of Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
As one who, for the last 30 years, has been on the receiving end of the dog-bite injuries that pass through the Children's Hospital Emergency Room, as well as on the staff at the Shriners Hospitals for Children where we see the late effects of these injuries from across the nation, I can categorically tell you that the problems associated with dog bites are indeed breed-specific.
When I started my career, the most common dog-bite injuries were from German shepherds and occasionally retrievers. These injuries were almost always provoked, such as food-related or stepping on the dog, and in almost every instance, the dog reacted with a single snap and release – essentially a warning shot. There were no pack attacks.
Starting about 25 years ago, my colleagues and I started to see disturbingly different types of injuries. Instead of a warning bite, we saw wounds where the flesh was torn from the victim. There were multiple bite wounds covering many different anatomical sites. The attacks were generally unprovoked, persistent and often involved more than one dog. In every instance the dog involved was a pit bull or a pit bull mix.
Now, I am a dog lover and virtually every one of my family members has a dog. But it is a fact that different dogs have always been bred for specific qualities. My sheltie herded, my daughter's setter flushes birds and my pug sits on my lap – this is what they are bred for.
Pit bulls were bred to fight and kill and, unfortunately, many current breeders favor these aggressive traits. There is no need for any dog with the characteristics.

I recently gave a talk summarizing my 30 years of practice in pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery, and one segment was titled "Why I Hate Pit Bulls." I watched a child bleed to death one night in our operating room because a pit bull had torn his throat out. I have had to rebuild the skull of a child who had his ears and entire scalp torn off. I am currently reconstructing the face of a child, half of whose face has been torn off down to the bone. I have had to rebuild noses, lips, eyelids, jaws and cheeks of numerous children. On older children, I have had to reconstruct legs and hands. The unfortunate young victim whose recent attack has initiated this discussion will bear the scars of this attack for the rest of her life, besides having had her tongue ripped out by a Pit Bull.
I knew nothing even of the existence of the pit bull until he silently attacked me from behind two months later at about 5:00 p.m. on a busy street in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Hundreds of other people were walking or jogging along the same street. It was simply luck of the draw that I happened to be the closest to the open doorway through which the pit bull bolted out. I was ambulanced to receive emergency surgery, and flew home the next day to receive follow-up treatment back in Quebec, under the Quebec provincial health plan.
Even as I fought for my life in the street against the completely unprovoked pit bull attack, I recognized the extreme behavioral difference between the German shepherd, who appeared to have a motive for attacking me and gave enough warnings for me to have retreated safely if there had been anywhere to go, and the pit bull, who apparently attacked only because I was the nearest moving object.
The German shepherd follows all the classic rules of canine confrontation. The pit bull behaves much more like a stealth predator. How many other variations might there be in dog attack behavior, and to what extent might this reflect what the dogs were bred and trained to do, for example hunting, herding and guarding flocks, patrolling human property, fighting and baiting, or simply serving as family companions?
Would the Pit apologists please explain your dog to the family members?
- The following States have all suffered one victim (9 victims in total) of Fighting Breed Dogs so far: Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Delaware, Arizona, Louisiana, Cincinnati, Michigan, Missouri.
1. Christina Burleston~43 y/o~Houston TX~2+ Pit Bulls~01/05/14
2. Betty Clark~75 y/o~San Antonio TX~2 x Pit Bulls~01/06/14
3. Kara Hartrich~4 y/o~Bloomington IL~2 or 3 Pit Bulls~01/17/14
4. Annabell Martin~89 y/o~Corona CA~2 x Rottweilers~01/26/14
5. Klonda Richey~57 y/o~Dayton OH~2 x Cane Corso/Mastiffs~02/07/14
6. Je'vaeh Mayes~2 y/o~Temple TX~1 Pit Bull~02/17/14
7. Braelynn Coulter~3 y/o~High Park NC~1 Pit Bull~02/24/14
8. Summer Sears~4 y/o~Tallassee AL~Mixed Breeds (tbc)~02/26/14
9. Raymane Robinson~2 y/o~Killeen TX~1 x Bull Mastiff~03/01/14
10. Kenneth Santillan~13 y/o~Patterson NJ~1 x Bull Mastiff~03/01/14
11. Nancy Newberry~77 y/o~Phoenix AZ~1 x Pit Bull~03/15/14
12. Mia Derouen~4 y/o~Houma LA~1 x Pit Bull~03/26/14
13. Dorothy Hamilton~85 y/o~Kaufman TX~2 x Pit Bulls 03/31/14
14. Christopher Malone~3 y/o~Holmes Co MS~1 or 2 Pit Bulls~04/01/14
15. John Harvard~5 y/o~St Clair Co AL~1 x Pit Bull~04/07/14
16. Petra Aguirre~83 y/o~San Antonio TX~1 x AmStaff Mix~04/11/14
17. Katie Morrison~20 y/o~Lee Co AL~3 x Pit Bulls~05/04/14
18. Nyhiem Wilfong~1 y/o~Caldwell Co NC~1 x Rottweiler~05/05/14
19. Kasii Haith~4 y/o~Kent Co DE~3 x Pit Bulls~05/08/14
20. Rita Pepe~93 y/o~Branford CT~1 x Pit Bull~05/25/14
21. Holden Garrison~10wks~Springfield T'ship MI~Catahoula (possibly Bulldog type)~06/08/14
22. Logan Shepard~4 y/o~Riverview FL~2 x Pit Bulls~07/19/14
23. Jonathon Quarles Jr~7months~Dayton OH~1 x Pit Bull~07/20/14
24. Craig Sytsma~46 y/o~Lapeer Co MI~2 x Cane Corsos~07/23/14
25. Cindy Whisman~59 y/o~Butler Co OH~1 x Pit Bull~08/01/14
26. Joel Chirieleison~6 y/o~Gilchrist Co FL~2 x Pit Bulls~08/07/14
27. Deriah Solem~22months~St Charles Co MO~1 x Pit Bull~08/11/14
28. Javon Dade~4 y/o~Miami-Dade Co FL~2 x Pit Bulls~08/13/14
29. David Glass~age 51~Benton Co MS~multiple Pit Bulls~09/21/14
FATALITIES OF INTEREST RELATED TO DOGS 2014:
1. Carlos Trevina~54 y/o~Idaho Falls ID~heart attack after trying to separate multiple fighting family Pit Bulls~01/08/14
2. Demonta Collins~13 y/o~Richmond Co GA~chased into traffic by loose Pit Bull~04/10/14
3. Davon Jiggetts~17 y/o~Fulton Co GA~chased into traffic by loose Pit Bull~04/12/14
4. Ryan Brown~15 y/o~Fayette Co TN~fatal head injury caused by thrown object, sustained during stray Pit Bull attacking family Pit Bull in yard at home~08/04/14
This was hardly a fair question. You split the YES votes into two almost equally valid statements. You should have counted the two together. Shame on you for pretending this is a reasonable survey.
The ATTS is a total fraud. ANYONE who has had even the most rudimentary university level course work in assessment construct and statistics could tell in one look that the seemingly 'scientific' test is a complete farce.
Behavior testing in canines is not to be relied on. That 'test' assesses ONLY that particular moment in time and is NOT a predictor of future behaviours much less an assessment of temperament. This is the worst kind of lie to present to potential adopters and courts have found against shelters that have used it when the Pits they adopted out as having 'passed' the ATTS turned and 'went Pit' and attacked and mauled family members. Awards are running the mid-six-figure amounts up to $2.2million. I don't think that shelters should adopt out dogs with that high a risk of causing shelters to have increased liability insurance.
Temperament tests done by reputable groups (such as AKC) always show that Pits have BETTER temperaments than most dogs. Personally, we LOVE Pits and always have several, along with the 30-some other dogs we foster in our all-breed Rescue.
Pits have always been the perfect family and farm dog -- very stable, reliable, and will put up with harsh treatment by small children without giving them the bite they often deserve. Most Pits are still this way, or will be once they are out of their terrible environment, socialized and evaluated by a competent Rescue group. Actually, most Pits you get from the local shelter will very quickly "fix themselves" and turn into a wonderful dog, but you must be VERY careful and watch carefully for a while, especially around other dogs, children & strangers.
That said ----
We have by now had many generations of Pits bred by human scum -- the worst of the morons in various ghettos & trailer parks who have created a new and evil type of dog fighting that has nothing to do with the old, traditional Southern rural dog fights, where dogs were almost never seriously injured and certainly not killed. Once one dog had been overpowered by another (usually with a few punctures or scrapes), the dogs were called off by their owners. Any dog that did not INSTANTLY stop was excused from the ring, declared the loser (even if he had won), and forever banned from the ring forever. And then all the dogs went back to their farms to play with the kids and hunt the mice getting into the corn crib. Big difference between this and Michael Vick's dogs, which were caged 24/7 and beaten "to make them mean."
I am NOT defending this old-style "sport" (as it was called), and could never let my dog participate. But since the actual history of dog fighting is so different from what punk criminals like Michael Vick have been doing, I like to point our the vast change over time. I often wonder whether any of the old traditional sport has survived; I simply do not know.
Because of the modern, highly abusive nature of dog fighting, and the wide participation by really stupid people, for several decades and dozens of generations of Pits, we now have a lot of Pits bred strictly for aggression with a complete non-emphasis on good temperament. Unlike the old-time farm dogs, these "new" fighters are a SINGLE-purpose dog, and often their sociability and stability has been completely lost in the process. There are now Pits that are dangerous, and can't be fixed by any ordinary means -- assuming you don't have access to Cesar Millan, or that group that spent massive amounts of time rehabilitating Michael Vick's dogs. Most of us small Rescues don't have the time or money to handle real problem dogs, and don't think it's fair to spend that amount of time & resources on dog that (a) probably will never be safe to adopt out, and (b) will take up our limited space and money to a degree that keeps us from rescuing many other dogs. We have two Pits here now that have been here for over a year with no serious inquiries about adoption -- which, on the average, has caused eight or ten other dogs to be put to sleep in shelters because we had no room for them.
We have had very few dogs here put to sleep for temperament issues, but in the past five years 2 of them (out of 3) were Pits. We have very few hard & fast rules here, but killing another of our dogs is one of them. Both Pits killed other, much smaller dogs. And one of the Pits had come here as a tiny puppy, two years before, so had never known bad treatment or abuse, and definitely had no excuse for killing the old Beagle. We loved the little Pit puppy we'd raised, and he had never shown a vicious side. but my wife saw the attack from the beginning, and when she tried to break it up the Pit took a pass at her, too. That's the other rule here -- and he was put to sleep immediately. I don't like it, but it's a necessary rule to be fair to all rescue dogs,
I think Pit Bulls are as lovely as all other breeds. I also think it is the owner causes the issue. But not all the owners of "bad" Pit Bulls are intentionally making them their dog bad. We always encourage people to adopt dogs, but we didn't do enough to train people how to be a real good owner, knowing what to feed the dog is not enough. I think we need to do more to train people how to correctly raise a mentally and physically healthy dog before they become owners. Until the owners understand what the right way is to handle dogs (not just Pit Bulls), we will continue hear bad news.
Pit bulls are some of the most misunderstood dogs there are and the media blows who they are out of proportion. We acquired one a few years ago a friend of my son was unable to keep hers. She was a pit boxer mix. What a wonderful dog she is. So sweet playful and smart. People need to educate themselves on this. Shows like pit bulls and parolees can snow us how wonderful these dogs are. Also the dog whisperer is trying to inform people as well. Its bad owners that make bad dogs not the dog themselves.
My daughter and her housemates once rescued a pitt bull who had staggered into their front yard in Queens, NYC. The dog was severely injured, looking as if she had escaped a dog fighting ring. They pooled their resources and took her to an animal hospital where she was "put back together" and the housemates nursed her back to health. I have never met a sweeter, more lovable dog.
I must say all this makes me feel sick. We have one half pit dropped on us, and a smaller younger "pit" looks a lot like a boxer. We have had to break up some fights at first. Now the older dog has taught the younger what it means to behave around other dogs. I attribute all the real credit to her. We are too weak physically to battle tooth and nail but she is strong. I never trust the younger dog with my small grankids and don't allow her to be outside unsupervised I really did not need another challenge but as usual someone got the pit, didn't house train her, didn't socialize her, when it would have been easier as a pup, didn't discipline her with all the right basic rules of engagement. I feel that as a general rule people are not capable ,lack their own discipline, to handle the great and sometimes terrible power in these dogs. I believe as a breed they have to viewed as almost a weapon. The potential is great but are we ?
We had a pit bull that died of a rare cancer three years ago. We have owned many dogs, and our Pit Bull (Raleigh) was the sweetest boy and got along with everyone. We now have two American Staffordshire Terriers (Ellery and Maisie). They have great temperaments and love all humans. They also love cats!
If a Pit Bull doesn't love humans, then something is wrong with it. Pit Bulls are very loyal and loving.
I agree with Janet and Denise, that pit bulls be sweet and loving. I'm a pet sitter and have taken care of 3 pit bulls, in my home, at different times. I own a Rhodesian Ridgeback. The pit bulls got a long fine with my dog, even though they didn't know each other. Two pits were female and one a male. My dog is a female. I am careful around pits that I don't know, because of the stories I've heard. There are also 3 pit bulls, that live on our street, with no problems. I think a good home, training and socialization are good for any dog.
I have a 2-1/2 yr. old pit mix rescue. She is the sweetest dog I have ever owned. Loves everyone, dogs, cats, etc. and has never been aggressive. I would like to reply to Charli who said a pit was eyeing up his mini schnauzer in obedience class and this made him and his dog uncomfortable. I had a similar experience where a corgi mix attached my pit mix in obedience class. The trainer was wonderful - not only did she instruct the corgi's owner on how to handle her dog - but she immediately pointed out that though the corgi attempted to bite my dog, my dog just backed away without retaliating. Not all pits are vicious - many are very sweet dogs and a lot has to do with their training. Honestly, when we walk our dog, we have encountered smaller breed dogs who bark and try to attack our dog, but have never had this situation occur with any large breed dog. Maybe we should ban the smaller breeds?
I only say the potential is there for a more serious bite because of their increased bite and general body strength. Any dog has the potential to bite depending on how it is raised / treated. I don't think Pits are any more dangerous in temperament than any other dog. I have known several of them, and they were all very sweet dogs. But they are much stronger than the average dog, and if mistreated, and they become aggressive, then the potential for serious injury or death is there. I have also been around many more smaller dogs, and have been nearly bitten MUCH more often.
I think All breeds can turn and bite. Domesticated or not they are still animals. The larger and stronger the breed the more potential for serious injury or death should for whatever reason they do turn. I believe if you get your dog as a puppy & train it well it's not a problem but if adopting a young or adult larger breed dog they should all go for professional training.
I think pit bulls are sweet dogs. Any dog can have potential to be aggressive if mistreated or scared. With love,respect, proper training and kindness any dog will return that love to you . I think it's unfair how these sweet dogs are treated by police officers and the press. We need to Educate on handling of this breed and in time they will be deemed just as love able as any other breed.
Have people forgotten that the dog from The Rascals was a pit!!
Per Aspca
"Some pit bulls were selected and bred for their fighting ability. That means that they may be more likely than other breeds to fight with dogs. It doesn’t mean that they can’t be around other dogs or that they’re unpredictably aggressive. Other pit bulls were specifically bred for work and companionship. These dogs have long been popular family pets, noted for their gentleness, affection and loyalty. And even those pit bulls bred to fight other animals were not prone to aggressiveness toward people. Dogs used for fighting needed to be routinely handled by people; therefore aggression toward people was not tolerated. Any dog that behaved aggressively toward a person was culled, or killed, to avoid passing on such an undesirable trait. Research on pet dogs confirms that dog aggressive dogs are no more likely to direct aggression toward people than dogs that aren’t aggressive to other dogs."
Dogs are not the problem....Their humans are.
A few months ago I had to put my beautiful Pit Bull down because he became so aggressive toward my 14 year old shepherd who had advanced hip dysplasia. I came home from work and found him dragging Daisy across the yard by her face. She was crying pitifully. The only way I could get him to let go of her was by turning the hose on his face. I rushed her to the vet and she was treated for multiple puncture wounds on her face and neck. Her left eye lid was torn. I had to put him on a heavy cable while I was at work because he had already chewed through the chain link fence and I feared for my neighbor's small children. I adopted this dog from the local Humane Society where I had volunteered for several years and he was highly recommended as a playmate for another dog I had fostered and then adopted a couple of years ago. That dog is a pit bull mix and she has been a wonderful, sweet dog. That's why I had no doubts about adopting Skip. But I noticed when they would be playing Skip was becoming increasingly aggressive. So I never left them alone after that. One day Skip bared his teeth and snarled at Endica and she ran in her dog house. So I kept him in a separate kennel but took him for long walks after work. He was a dream when he was alone with me and I realized he wanted to be the only dog. He destroyed his kennel, and got to Daisy that day. She couldn't run from him. I had to make the decision to have him put down before a real tragedy occurred . It absolutely broke my heart and I still cry when I think of the good times we had. And so I have mixed feelings about Pit Bulls . Until now I have always defended them because they get such a bad rap.
I have a sweet pit mix that is 9 years old.
We have in the past had 2 that were well trained however had the tendency to snap at other dogs and people.
Some are food toy aggressive.
I believe any breed can be aggressive, and that sometimes the dog is just not right mentally.
I lived with 2 adopted pitties that had their issues and were very closely watched
And muzzled when out.
My nine year old is a big baby.
She loves everyone but is other female aggressive when it comes to dogs.
Males she is fine with.
I believe that "some" pit bulls can be trained to be sweet and loving - but that aggressive instinct is part of the breed. I agree with the Vets - never trust them completely. (and, for that matter, other large-breed dogs such as Rotties and Dobies) These dogs have historically been BRED to guard, protect, kill. It takes much patience and consistency to over-ride that internal wiring. That said - I have raised a wolf-hybrid that I trusted with my LIFE - because we were bonded from when he was 8 weeks old! And - I have been bitten by my dog - actually by accident when she was lunging for a different dog - and the result? You should have seen her face! she was SO upset and sorry! (she was a lab/shepherd/rottie mix) Pit bulls on the other hand - generally do NOT have that built-in bonding connection with humans.
Now, I have 2 "senior" (don't tell them that!) lab-mix ladies - who had never lived with cats before - it was a bit rough going for the first 2 or 3 months but I TRAINED THEM ALL to get along with each other - and they are alone together (2 dogs, 7 cats) all day all week. If any spats get started (usually it is the cats between themselves!)- the cats simply skedoodle down to the cellar where the dogs cannot follow. TRAINING IS EVERYTHING. ALONG WITH LOVE.
Tami, I just had to add, this cat (who happens to be blind) didn't start anything. She was lying there sleeping and the dog, walking through the room, just saw her and jumped her. No provocation whatsoever. It's not really fair to blame the victims.
I think that with the same environment, training, etc., Pitts do generally have a higher prey drive than many other breeds. Not to say they are the only ones. With a responsible, informed owner and good socialization and training, this difference can be minimized. I have known Pitts that were absolute sweethearts, but have also known some we couldn't trust. My daughter brought home a stray Pitt that was a great dog, but we could not get her to relax around our cats. I've never had that problem with any other dog. Finally, after about six months we had to find her another home when I caught her with one of the cats in her mouth. Thankfully we were able to separate them with no permanent injury, but it was a close thing, and there was a lot of blood on the carpet, some of it mine.
I work in an animal hospital and have gotten bit quite a few times. Most of my bites were from small dogs, not pit mixed or pits
Recent article noted pit bulls are 6% of dog population in USA but over 68% of dog arrests soon incidents. It is the inbreed potential aggravated by poor training. There are exceptions but # 's are revealing.
When asked if my dogs bite, I always answer, it's possible. All dogs have the potential to bite. The difference with the mid to large breeds is they can do serious damage! From day one ALL dogs should be trained & a human Alpha established!! If you have never trained before, either find an experienced trainer or do the research & follow the directions. There are some good books available or use the Internet. Dogs can be like leaving a loaded gun laying around the house. With good consistent training and a lot of love, you are removing the bullets from the gun! However, even with the best of training and a loving family, they are still dogs and can make mistakes. That is where consistency comes into the formula!
I am surprised to see how many people still think that pits can lock there jaws. Blame should fall on bad owners & bad breeders. My guess would be that one of the poodles or the cat started the fight that got those poodles and that cat killed. I have 4 dogs and 5 cats, and never leave them together when we're gone.
I am surprised to see how many people still think that pits can lock there jaws. Blame should fall on bad owners & bad breeders. My guess would be that one of the poodles or the cat started the fight that got those poodles and that cat killed. I have 4 dogs and 5 cats, and never leave them together when we're gone.
When my son informed me he would be moving back home from out-of-state, and bringing his pit bull with him, I told him he could not bring the dog. I didn't want to chance my little dog being killed by his.
Fast forward, my son ended up bringing Sugar home anyway. I was skittish, but about 30 minutes after their arrival, I was in love with his pit bull. I've had dogs all my life, and this one is by far, the sweetest dog I've every been around. Now, my pretty little 12 lb cocker spaniel mix, he'd just as soon bite your foot off than to look at you. But when you meet Sugar the pit bull, she will immediately lay down on her back for a belly rub. Unfortunately, the media only covers the bad experiences.
I am a Pit owner, have been for seven years. My dog received professional training from the age of three months. She is the sweetest dog! It is not the dog, it is the owner, treat with kindness and love and you will have a loving loyal pet. Treat with abuse (chaining up, no socialization, etc.) and have a dog who is confused. All dogs want to please and receive love, these dogs get a bad rap. As to the so called vet who wrote the article, he's sadly misinformed. Years ago these dogs served their country, and where considered nanny's for the family children. Any dog can turn, and if you research you will find Pits do not cause the most bites IT's JUST REPORTED MORE BY THE PRESS, because they are the villain of the day, as were Dobermans, Chows, any large breed dog. Open your eye's people take a look at your local animal shelter there are so many wonderful Pits waiting for adoption, but because of stupidity thousands are killed. And if you've never owned one you have no opinion!
How naive can people be about this? I have owned three Keeshonden over the past forty years--BECAUSE THEY HAVE BREED-SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS THAT I LOVE! They are gentle and almost never will attack or bite anyone, among other traits. And I have owned Russian Blue cats for similar reasons, including their gentleness. Pit Bulls are bred to have aggressive characteristics, as other breeds have certain kinds of intelligence or whatever. One cannot deny that and think that pit bulls are just as docile as other breeds.
I'm a owner of 2 male pit bulls. I DON'T AGREE WITH ANY OF THE NEGITIVE COMMENTS. Its the way you train &raise a dog, is how its gonna turn out. My 2dogs who are 3 & 4 can both be off their leashes and something ( cat for example) can run by, and I say one word, STOP. And they both will stop dead in their tracks. I live i n a beautiful neighborhood and the little dogs are the ones who go crazy pulling their owner, barking away. Not my pit bulls. And these little dog owners are looking at my dogs like their the aggressive one. Okay while your little dog is going crazy. Any dog can turn. So to all you pit bull haters. Leave are dogs ALONE
My brother-in-law is a police officer in North Las Vegas, and has to deal with dogs frequently while on patrol and in handling calls. He is a dog lover and owner, but won't trust a pit bull because of his experiences.
I witnessed a pit bull pull through its harness and attack a small dog in my neighborhood. It took 3 grown men the better part of a minute to pull the animals apart. The small dog lost an eye, had a punctured skull and other injuries. The pit owner was a good neighbor and took care of all medical bills, then put down his dog. It had never previously manifest any signs of the uncontrollable aggression he saw that day, and he never wanted to see it happen again. My son has also been chased through the neighborhood by 2 pit bull mix dogs that (for a few weeks) routinely escaped their yard.
Once a pit bull "snaps" (and you never know if or when it will happen), the only effective, timely countermeasure seems to be a firearm. Other breeds generally seem to understand limits better, but non-aggression training shouldn't be needed for any "domesticated" animal regardless of breed. Because of all this, I class pit bulls with tigers and other wild creatures... not in my neighborhood please.
It is said that a dog can bite its owner,. proven by me. Of course the dog don't care who feeds it. Pit Bulls could not only bite it's owner, but could kill. I believe that the brain of a Pit Bull is wired by nature to be aggressive to the extent of killing.. I trust none, however subdued he is trained to be, once the scenario is right his nature would rise up to kill. Persons who are in denial of this, would believe after a Pit Bull attacks a loved one to the kill.... sorry!
There are too many comments on this page that are wrongly informed with obvious limited information and too few correct ones. The owners of any dog play a large roll in their pets disposition, but so does the biological parents. Raising dogs is very similar to parenting young children. They need clear boundaries, socializing, love, and training. As with all animals genetics do play a role along with environment. A charging dog is not always a precursor to an attack, nor is a wagging tail always a sign of friendly acceptance. Pitts do have extremely strong jaws, but they can be trained not to lock down.
My best trainer helper is my 9lb. female Westie-poo. She has assisted me in teaching, a now 56lb. chow pit mix that was rescued as a pup from the local animal control, to play without actually closing his mouth on her. We have taught him that nipping is his bite. If he hears a noise resembling pain from any living creature, he runs to their aid and tries to mother them.
I had 5 dogs, 3 large pit breeds and 2 small terrior breeds, and 3 cats up until a month ago when the oldest dog passed away. He was a 16 yr old pit. Before I got him, he was a cat killer and a male dog hater. He wasn't born that way, but a couple of bad experiences prejudiced him that way. Sound familiar?! He always loved all people especially chidren. As a puppy, he was attacked by a male dog, and then by a cat (who herself had likely had a scary incident with another dog). I showed him that he didn't need to fear them anymore. When he died, he had friends of many species and genders.
I understand that the man who beat his pit to death didn't know what else to do, but pain begets pain. When an animal is seeing red, not literally, they are in a world where nothing but it and the other animal exist in tunnel. They have to be first brought back to reality and made aware of your presence by sight, and sound, but not with hysterics. Then a person can physically seperate them without adding more pain to the situation. Specific techniques do rely partly on the individual dog. Across the board, a lack of oxygen or shoving something down their throat thru any any spot will make them release. After knowing we had made eye contact and he had heard my stern voice (not screaming), I used my hand to get between the animal in his mouth and the back of his throat. Immediately, he released. I do not recommend doing this unless you know the animals involved, and are prepared for a possible negative outcome including personal injury.
All breeds have an instinct to chase, chew, and defend themseves. All dogs deserve and need an informed, consistent, and levelheaded owner to be able to grow into a well rounded, happy member of the family.
I think that dogs are no different than people that some dogs may have a nasty temper or a short fuse or both. I think that pit bulls may have the potential to become aggressive or better put commit an aggressive act wihen they are not maintained-raised-handled or trained properly and responsibly. And of course being such a strong dog they can inflict damage that a poodle for example cannot! There is also a psychological side to dogs that we may not realize that we effect. Our attitude, actions and energy display to dogs how to behave. We may express something that the dog picks up on then later behaves inappropriately but according to what you told him to. And it's my belief that pit bulls are just more sensitive to this and in general.
I've heard of many cases of people being bit or killed by pit bulls, but
on the other hand, I know some that are as gentle & friendly as
kittens. I think it's all the way the dog is treated from day #1.
I know there are other breeds that have a higher bite statistic than the Pitbull but it's the severity of the bites/attacks that are scary and the fact you can't get theirs jaws unlocked while they are biting down. I will always have a fear around them especially having my dogs around them.
I agree.. I won't go near them.. they are tweeked in the head.. agreed all dogs can snap, but if they do,
their bite won't kill you and you can usually stop them with a baseball bat, not so with Pits.. my friend
hit one that attacked his dog with a baseball bat, his eye fell out would not let go of his shepherds neck,
then he put the garden hose in it's mouth and try to get him to let go, filled him with water, still no let up,
finally, a neighbor came with a gun and shot it.. his sherpherd bleed to death.. Another time a friend has a pit from a pup and his 4 year old just walked past the dog while he was eating, it jumped up and bit her face, she had to get hundred stitches and had to have several surgeries on her face so she would not be disfigured.
I will not rent any of my units to anyone with a pit.. they should be banned.. Loaded gun... if you have kids and pits you are nuts too....
I believe that no dog is born mean,it's the person who is supposed to care for the dog and be responsible,unfortunately human breed ,abuse and dump them,any breed can be dangerous.I have a beautiful pit bull and she's the sweetest dog I ever known,I also have a little chihuahua and they get along very well
In almost every account of a person being badly injured or killed by a dog, the culprit is almost always a pit bull or pit bull mix. We give credit to certain breeds for being better hunting, herding or guide dogs, why wouldn't certain breeds be better guard dogs? This being said, my experience in working with families with severe drug problems leads me to believe that pit bulls are the breed of choice for criminal types. Do they train their dogs to be the good citizens of the dog world or to be an angry, crude, aggressive reflection of their owners? I believe, sadly, it's often the latter.
ANY dog is capable of attacking; labs, german shephards, pitt bulls, hounds, dachunds, chihuahua, or any other small, medium, or large breed (trained or not). I currently have 2 labs that are very laid back, one is a little hyper but a good dog. I have known some labs to be aggressive all their lives and training didn't help. I know someone with a german shephard who is 2 now and he is starting to get somewhat aggressive towards them. My previous line of work, and the one I have now; I hear or see dog bites and the majority of the culprits are pitts and some owners say the dog was "trained" not to. I also know a woman who broke down and didn't have cell service because of being on backroads in the country. She approached a house to get help and saw the pitt laying at the foot of the steps. The dog looked at her but didn't raise his head. She cautiously walked closer saying hi to him and he just raised his eyebrows not moving or showing signs of aggression. She walks on the porch and knocks on the door and the dog grabbed her by the back of the leg and got to ripping at it. The owner (who was extremely nice and concerned) had small children and he voluntarily had the dog put down. His dog had been "trained" and never showed any aggression towards anyone who visited before, but he felt like he could no longer trust the dog. I know another family that had a german shephard and the dog loved the little boy so much when he would be outside playing the dog wouldn't let anyone near him, not even the parents. They had to trick the dog so the boy could come inside. I have known chihuahuas that bite, and the term ankle biters is being nice.....they can tear an ankle to shreds. I've seen hound that would be nice to humans and then tear another dog or animal up. My point is; not every dog is a bad dog but ANY dog has potential to be aggressive towards people or other animals.......especially the breeds that are best known for being aggressive.
It is so sad to hear all of this. How can one breed be so aggressive. You see so many pits and pit mixes in shelters or rescue houses looking for homes. It breaks my heart. I have known several sweet, loving, rescued pit bulls owned by friends. The dogs adored my golden retriever. However, I would not allow my dog to play or be around them. My friends were upset about it, but I had to think about my dog. They are strong jawed. Once I had to break up an attack on another dog by a pit. Its owner was afraid and stood there in fear. I was lucky I grabbed him the right way, otherwise, he could have turned on me. I actually do not go to the parks with my dogs anymore, because there are so many around, and a lot of owners do not have the skills to handle them. Especially, some of these men that use them as bodyguards. I would rather my dogs play safely in the yard. Hopefully one day, the breed can be helped with some kind of gene therapy. You have to wonder why they never use them in the police or military....
I also want to say I am more afraid of german shephard dogs & dobermans & even rockwilers than I am of pit bulls. My dogs NEVER growled at me either. When they didn't like someone they were right too. :-)
I work in rescue and have been around dogs all of my life. My personal opinion is that pitties are no more aggressive than other breeds and that ultimately the outcome of a dogs personality rests solely in the hands of the owner. The bully breeds, rotties, shepherds etc are a lot of dog and they're smart but more importantly these dogs will not accept just any pack leader (owner) to lead them. A true pack leader will lead in a firm but fair manner that will garner the respect of their dogs. If this doesn't happen then the owner will not have control of their animal. I have seen too many people over the years get these breeds of dogs and they have absolutely no idea what to do with them so they leave them to their own devices and this is when trouble happens. A dog is like a child, set the rules and boundaries and make sure you stick to it.
It is important for all dog owners to take responsibility for their dogs, regardless of breed. In the United States upwards of 70 million dogs have the potential of being identified as Pit Bull mixes. The calling out of this breed can be compared to any other discrimination based upon the deeds of a very small percent. The individual, not the breed/creed, should be held accountable.
I raised (2) pit bulls & they were the VERY best breed I ever had. Of course if you don't get your pit bull trained you may have no control but both of my dogs were trained to my command & if I said it's alright that was all they had to hear. My dogs loved children & other dogs but I have to confess they weren't too crazy about cats but they may have caught my anger at the catss that killed my neighborhood birds.
I believe ANY dog can become aggressive. Its the irresponsible owners who DO NOT train the dogs correctly. I have a 5 year old American Pitt bull terrier who is very well trained and knows who the pack master is in the house. I have NO problem with my grandchildren playing with him. He is an excellent dog and family pet and has showed no aggression what so ever.
your poll is somewhat skewed with two options of answering yes in a minimally slightly different way, but meaning pretty much the same thing. Pitbulls are a more agressive breed and the potentional is always there with them. I had one eyeing up my sweet little mini schnauzer in an obedience class. My little girl was very uncomfortable and I trusted her instincts. Needless to say I had her scooped up in my arms and I would not go back-it is so not worth it. And pit bull owners who defend this breed are probably more dangerous because they refuse to acknowledge the danger!
About 6 years ago a pit bull mix charged through a fence to attack my Maltese that was on a leash out walking. My dog took about 150 stitches, almost lost her shoulder, cost thousands of dollars in vet bills. The pit bull owner would not accept responsibility, and the dog got "one free bite". It devastated me, and my dog has never been the same. There is a problem with this!
Risky behavior is fine for consenting adults. Placing young children in a potentially dangerous situation is not. Those you want to bury their head in the sand about pits should be held responsible if the pit kills or mauls a youngster.
I own four rental townhouses in Georgia and the Owners Association will not allow me to rent to pit bulls or a couple of other breeds due to the potential for problems. I believe owning these dogs creates an insurance problem in many areas. There is a reason behind this. They have a higher potential for being dangerous. My son found a beautiful pit bull and gave it to a friend. The dog turned on a family member (an adult who was NOT interacting with the dog) and the dog's owner had to beat the dog to death with a lawnmower blade he had been sharpening when the attack occurred. The dog would not quit!
In Toowoomba, Qld. Australia about 6 years ago a lady was feeding her son's three Pit Bulls when they turned on her and tore her to pieces. She was dead when her son returned from work. Many local councils in Queensland and Australia have now banned ownership of this breed of dog.